Credit Counseling

There are plenty of credit counseling companies out there, and many offer their services through walk in locations, on the Internet, or via telephone calls. A reputable credit counseling program will help you negotiate favorable terms with your creditors, and may persuade them to reduce your interest rates and waive fees incurred for being over your credit limit or late with your payments. You make one monthly payment to your counseling firm, and they pay your creditors. Part of the agreement includes your agreement to stop using your credit cards, and you must also refrain from applying for any additional cards or lines of credit.

While many have benefitted from credit counseling companies, some have been accused of musing their non-profit tax status by not providing the required counseling and consumer education. Furthermore, this tax status does not offer any guarantee. Their services may not be free, affordable, or legitimate. It is important to remember that most charge upfront fees for their services, as well as monthly maintenance fees. It is therefore important for you to do some research in order to make sure that the company you select suits your needs. Check with local universities, financial institutions, or even friends and family members. If you’re in the military, check out your base.

Finally, be wary of any credit counseling organization that does any of the following:

Pressures you for voluntary donations. This is just a way of padding their income.

Does not disclose the possibly negative consequences using their program may have on your credit.

Refuses to send you any information before acquiring your financial information or account numbers.

Tries to enroll you in a debt management plan without reviewing your financial situation.

Offers to enroll you in a credit counseling program without providing the required budgeting and money management education.

Demands that you make a payment towards their program before your creditors have agreed to reduce your interest rates and payments.

As with any industry, there are always people out there willing to exploit people in order to put money in their own pockets. However, there are legitimate companies out there who can help you with your credit problems. Trust your instincts, and choose carefully.

Your Choices

...We all just got done with the service I just want to say you all did what you said you would do. I was very satisfied thank you very much. Were happy customers if we need you well call you again thank you for all you’ve done.

Paul Chaves

...Hi Roger this is Paul Chaves, I guess my statement is I am very satisfied with my experiences with UCS especially Robert French, the staff on there has been really helpful and polite and I’ve enjoyed working directly with UCS and taking care of all my financial needs. I would definitely recommend their services to all the people I know that are in need of assistance again I want thank UCS for all there help.

Jim

...Hey Robert this is Jim calling. I just wanted to thank you for all the work you have done for me in the past, and to say I really appreciate it. I know you're always looking out for my best interest, and that's very important to me. Thank you very much and keep up the good work for me, thanks. Bye bye.

Linda Peace

...This is Linda Peace; I entered into settlement with Sentry Servicing last November I had 12 accounts adding up to 30,000 dollars. As of today all my accounts are closed all thee debts were settled and I saved 15,000 dollars. My husband and I are related about this and very happy we got into the program...

Beverly

...My name is Beverly and I just want to say a message for Mr. French. Robert French has helped me immensely with getting my money situation straightened out. It's been very easy, he's easy to talk to. I know I've worried him with questions that he's always there to answer them for me, and I really really appreciate him and Credit Guard. Thank you again so much and I look forward to doing more business with you guys. Thanks, bye bye.

Fred

...Hey brother this is Fred, I just wanted to give you a call back and tell you thank you so much. United Credit Solutions has been really good to me and I really appreciate it for making things go real real well for getting back on track with everything, so thanks again and take care. Goodbye.